The HSE has selected a contractor to construct the new 50 bed ward block at Portiuncula Hospital Ballinasloe, the Athlone Advertiser has learned.
“It is hard to believe that it has taken nearly three years since I secured the commitment for the ward block development at Portiuncula Hospital from the then Health Minister Simon Harris, but I now hope that the final legal issues can be completed and a contract signed to start the construction of this vital project.
“The building will cost approximately €25m and it is expected to be completed by the middle of 2023 and will help to address the serious overcrowding at the emergency department in the hospital.
“My colleague, Deputy Sean Canney, has confirmed to me that a Letter of Intent to sign a contract has been issued to the selected contractor with work expected to begin on site in the coming months.
“I have also received confirmation from the HSE that the design of this 50-bed ward block will allow for a future extension of a further 50 beds which would help to significantly improve the capacity of Portiuncula Hospital.
“It is expected that within the next 20 weeks, 12 new isolation beds will become available at Portiuncula, which will replace the beds lost at the hospital due to bed closures to meet Covid requirements,” local Independent Deputy commented, upon hearing the news confirmation.
